Evangelist Prof. Anthony Joe Turkson, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of Takoradi Technical University, TTU, has delivered the Maiden Inaugural Lecture of the University. The inaugural lecture which was delivered as part of the TTU 70th Anniversary celebration was on the theme; “Stat-a-thon: Insights, Interpretations and Implications”.
He explored the critical role statistics play in shaping modern policy, business strategies, and scientific advancements, emphasizing the importance of data interpretation in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Evangelist Prof. Anthony Joe Turkson explained the need for institutions to make data-driven decisions for sustainability and growth.
“Studies have shown that most organizations and institutions often make decisions without recourse to data. If Ghana, as a nation, had derived its decision-making mechanisms from data, this country would have been much further ahead. If voters voted based on data-driven decision-making, rather than on other factors, Ghana would have by now been rubbing shoulders with other advanced nations. If institutions of higher learning made informed decisions driven by data, life would have been far better than it is now.”, he noted.
While defining data in its real sense, Prof. Turkson further reemphasized benefits of data to businesses.
“Data-driven decision-making is the act of using facts, metrics, and data to guide strategic decisions that align with one’s goals and objectives. An organization or institution that realizes the full value of its data is empowered to make better decisions every day. People at every level must engage in conversations based on data. A 2018 study on digital transformation noted that some organizations invested trillions of dollars to modernize their businesses, but 70% of these initiatives failed because they prioritized technology investment without building a data culture to support them,” he said.
On the Interpretation and Implications of Data Analysis, Prof. Turkson also presented a detailed analysis of a study on mortality trends and their demographic determinants, pointing the need to understand mortality trends to make informed health policies.
Using data, Prof. Turkson indicated that age is a significant factor in mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, with people over the age of 45 at high risk.
He therefore encouraged the provision of accurate age data to aid in administering healthcare.
“Accurate age reporting by patients in healthcare settings is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and comorbid conditions. Inconsistencies in self-reported ages may lead to significant challenges in understanding the true epidemiology of these health issues,” he advised.
Prof. Turkson called for the digitalization of information from birth to death, championing the establishment of a data quality framework that identifies gaps in current data, the need for targeted healthcare strategies focused on age-specific risks, and the need to improve data accuracy to address leading causes of mortality in the Western Region.
The Vice Chancellor TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, who also chaired the event, commended Prof. Turkson for his exemplary contributions to the academic community, particularly in the field of statistics, and expressed hope for more such lectures in the future.
“This is our first inaugural lecture, and the turnout is impressive. I believe more will follow because we have four other professors who are also supposed to deliver their inaugural lectures. Your lecture was thought-provoking, and we thank you for leading in this direction,” he praised.
The Registrar of TTU, Dr. Moses Mclean Abnory, highlighted the importance of inaugural lectures.
“An inaugural lecture is a formal presentation or speech delivered by a newly appointed professor, typically to mark the beginning of their tenure at a University or within a particular academic position. This lecture allows the professor to showcase their area of expertise, discuss their research interests, and share their vision for their field…serving as both an academic event and a celebration of the professor’s achievement and contribution to the institution,” he explained.
After being conferred with the title and ushered into the College of Professorship, Evang. Prof. Turkson received several citations and commendations from his faculty and family.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER, LEADERSHIP
Evangelist Prof. Anthony Joe Turkson’s career began in the year 1994 when TTU was a second cycle institution as a Senior Superintendent. With hard work, Prof. Turkson has since rose through the ranks and served in many capacities.
He has taught various courses and served as a facilitator at workshops. His research focuses on statistical data analysis, survival analysis modelling and others. He has published widely in local, national and international refereed journals. He has also supervised and churned out several students at the HND, BTech, and MTech levels.
